Leg protection system

ABSTRACT

A leg protection system includes a kneepad, a knee relief pad, a foot relief pad, and a coupling mechanism. The kneepad is secured to a knee covering position on the coupling mechanism, the knee relief pad is secured to a calf position on the coupling mechanism, and the foot relief pad is secured to a shin-foot position on the coupling mechanism. When the leg protection system is worn, the kneepad is positioned over a knee of a wearer, the knee relief pad is positioned over a portion of a calf of the wearer, the foot relief pad is positioned over at least one of a portion of a shin or a portion of a foot of the wearer. The coupling mechanism secures the leg protection system on the wearer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/060,839,entitled “KNEE AND LEG PROTECTION SYSTEM”, filed Oct. 7, 2014, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part ofthe present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to relieving stress on the knees whensquatting or kneeling and to relieve contact pressure on the knees whenkneeling and more particularly to a knee protection system and to a legprotection system.

2. Description of Related Art

Kneepads are widely used to reduce contact pressure on the knees when aperson is kneeling for any length of time. A typical kneepad includes arigid material outer shell, a cushioning section coupled to the outershell, straps for wrapping around the leg, and a clips-hook connectingmechanism. When worn, the cushioning section is in contact with the kneeand the outer shell is in contact with the surface on which the weareris kneeling.

Knee Savers™ are known to be used by catcher's to reduce stress on theknee and to reduce erosion of cartilage in the knee. In general, a kneeSaver™ is a plastic covered foam wedge that is attached to a catcher'sshin guard straps. When the catcher squats, the back of the thigh andthe back of the calf contact the knee Saver™, thereby taking stress offof the knee.

It is also known that pants have been designed and manufactured toinclude “built-in” kneepads. The pants may be designed for hunting,football, military, construction, etc. It is further known that thepants may include a double knee section that has an opening forinsertion/extraction of removable kneepads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a non-flexed leg diagram of an embodiment of a knee protectionsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a knee relief pad inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the knee relief pad of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a knee relief padin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the knee relief pad of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an inside view diagram of an embodiment of a knee pad inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an inside view diagram of another embodiment of a kneepad inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exterior view diagram of an embodiment of a kneepad inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exterior view diagram of another embodiment of a kneepadin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-section view diagram of an embodiment of akneepad in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a vertical cross-section view diagram of an embodiment of akneepad in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a non-flexed leg diagram of an embodiment of a couplingmechanism of a knee protection system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a non-flexed leg diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism of a knee protection system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a non-flexed leg diagram of the coupling mechanism of theknee protection system of FIG. 14 positioned for securing to the leg;

FIG. 16 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 14 secured to the leg;

FIG. 17 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 14 secured to the leg;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 18 secured to the leg;

FIG. 20 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 18 secured to the leg;

FIG. 21 is a front view diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism of a knee protection system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a rear view diagram of the coupling mechanism of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an inside view diagram of the coupling mechanism of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an outside view diagram of the coupling mechanism of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 21 positioned for securing to theleg;

FIG. 26 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 21 positioned for securing to theleg;

FIG. 27 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 21 secured to the leg;

FIG. 28 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 21 secured to the leg;

FIG. 29 is a top view diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism of a knee protection system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 is a top view diagram of the coupling mechanism of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 29 in an open position;

FIG. 31 is a front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 29 in an open position;

FIG. 31A is a cross-sectional view diagram of the knee relief pad frameof the knee protection system of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view diagram of the kneepad frame of theknee protection system of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is another front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanismof the knee protection system of FIG. 29 in an open position;

FIG. 33 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 34 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 35 is another non-flexed inside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 36 is another non-flexed outside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 37 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.29;

FIG. 38 is another front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanismof the knee protection system of FIG. 29 in an open position;

FIG. 39 is another non-flexed inside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 40 is another non-flexed outside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 secured to the leg;

FIG. 41 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a non-flexed outside leg view diagram of the knee protectionsystem of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.41;

FIG. 44 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a non-flexed outside leg view diagram of the knee protectionsystem of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.44;

FIG. 47 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment ofadjustable knee relief pad positioning of a knee protection system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a diagram of an embodiment of an adjustable knee relief padpositioning mechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a back view diagram of another embodiment of an adjustableknee relief pad positioning mechanism of the knee protection system ofFIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a side view diagram of the adjustable knee relief padpositioning mechanism of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment of aleg protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 51-1 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment of aleg protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 51A is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a foot relief pad inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 51B is a cross section view of the foot relief pad of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 52 is a flexed leg diagram of the leg protection system of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa leg protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53A is a side view diagram of an embodiment of an integratedkneepad and foot relief pad in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53B is a cross section view of the integrated kneepad and footrelief pad of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 53C is another cross section view of the integrated kneepad andfoot relief pad of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 54 is a flexed leg diagram of the leg protection system of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa catcher's leg protection system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 56 is a flexed leg diagram of the catcher's leg protection systemof FIG. 55;

FIG. 56A is another flexed leg diagram of the catcher's leg protectionsystem of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.57;

FIG. 59 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system of FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 is an inside view diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism of a knee protection system of FIG. 57;

FIG. 63 is an outside view diagram of another embodiment of the couplingmechanism of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa leg protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.65;

FIG. 67 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 68 is a non-flexed side diagram of another embodiment of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a non-flexed rear diagram of another embodiment of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 67;

FIG. 70 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aleg protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a non-flexed front side diagram of another embodiment of theleg protection system of FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a non-flexed side diagram of another embodiment of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 75 is a non-flexed side diagram of another embodiment of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 77 is a non-flexed side diagram of another embodiment of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 79 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.78; and

FIG. 80 is a flexed leg rear view diagram of the knee protection systemof FIG. 78.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a non-flexed leg diagram of an embodiment of a knee protectionsystem 10 that includes a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad 14, and acoupling mechanism 16. The kneepad 12 may be of a variety ofconstructions. Examples of a kneepad 12 are described with reference toone or more of FIGS. 7-11. The knee relief pad 14 may be of a variety ofconstructions. Examples of a knee relief pad 14 are described withreference to one or more of FIGS. 3-6 and FIGS. 41-50. The couplingmechanism 16 may be implemented in a variety of ways. Examples of thecoupling mechanism 16 are described with reference to one or more ofFIGS. 12-50.

In one or more embodiments, the kneepad 12 and the knee relief pad 14are secured to the coupling mechanism 16 in one of a variety of ways(e.g., stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hook and loop fastener,hook and pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snap fastener, clip andfastener, push type retainer, etc.) in desired positions. For instance,the kneepad 12 is positioned with respect to the coupling mechanism 16such that, when a user wears the knee protection system 10, the kneepad12 at least partially covers the user's knee to reduce direct contactwith a kneeling surface when the user is kneeling.

The knee relief pad 14 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism 16 such that, when the user wears the knee protection system10 and the user is kneeling or in a squat position, the knee relief pad14 is in contact with the user's thigh and calf. With the knee reliefpad 14 is in contact with the user's thigh and calf, the user's kneeexperiences less stress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilagefrom stress-related damage.

FIG. 2 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system 10 ofFIG. 1. As shown, the user's leg is flexed (bent to a kneelingposition), which places the kneepad 12 in contact with a kneelingsurface (e.g., the ground, a floor, concrete slab, etc.). Further, theknee relief pad 14 is in contact with the user's thigh and calf, whichreduces the stress on the knee and reduces the risk of cartilage damage.The thickness of the knee relief pad 14 may be varied to vary the angleof the leg when in this position. For example, a thicker knee relief pad14 decreases the angle of the leg, placing more weight on the knee andless on the foot. As another example, a thinner knee relief pad 14increases the angle of the leg, distributing weight more equally betweenthe knee and the foot.

FIG. 3 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a knee relief pad 14that includes a core and a cover. The core includes one or more solidmaterials, a liquid holding bladder, and/or a gas holding bladder. Thecover may be an integral part of the knee relief pad when it includes aliquid holding bladder or a gas holding bladder or it may be a separatecomponent. When the cover is a separate component, it encases the coreand may be constructed from leather, plastic, fabric, etc. Note that asolid material may be one of: gel, rubber, silicon, polyurethane foam,high-density foam, high resilient foam, neoprene foam, and other typesof foam, cotton, synthetic materials, etc.

The knee relief pad 14 includes a geometric shape that has a firstheight (h1), a second height (h2), a length (L1), a first angle (φ1), asecond angle (φ2), a thigh cup section 15, and a calf cup section 17.The length of the knee relief pad 14 may be in range of a few inches toover a foot; the second height may be a fraction of inch to 6 inches ormore, and the first height may be 1.25 times to 5 times, or more, of thesecond height. The first and second angles are equated based on thelength, the first height, and the second height. For instance, tan(φ)=(h1−h2)/L1, where φ=φ1+φ2. Accordingly, φ1=φ−φ2. As an example, ifφ1=φ2, then both angles equal ½φ. As another example, when φ1=0, thenφ=φ2. As yet another example, when φ2=0, then φ=φ1.

The thigh cup 15 is a concaved shape (with respect to a portion of thewidth (w) of the knee relief pad) on the surface of the knee relief padthat comes into contact with the user's thigh. This is illustrated inthe cross section view of FIG. 4. The thigh cup 15 may also have aconcaved shape with respect to the length (or a portion thereof) of theknee relief pad 14. In general, the thigh cup 15 is intended to bettercradle the thigh when it is in contact with the knee relief pad 14,which improves comfort and constituency of fit.

The calf cup 17 is also of a concaved shape (with respect to a portionof the width (w) of the knee relief pad 14) on the surface of the kneerelief pad 14 that comes into contact with the user's calf. This isillustrated in the cross section view of FIG. 4. The calf cup 17 mayalso have a concaved shape with respect to the length (or a portionthereof) of the knee relief pad. The dimensions of the calf cup 17 maybe substantially similar to those of the thigh cup, they may be smaller,they may be bigger, or a combination thereof. In general, the calf cup17 is intended to better cradle the calf when it is in contact with theknee relief pad, which improves comfort and constituency of fit.

If the core of the knee relief pad 14 includes a liquid holding bladder,the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. The liquid maybe water, a gel, an oil, etc. The liquid holding bladder may includemultiple compartments, each capable of containing the same or differentliquid. As such, the geometric shape of the knee relief pad may beadjusted in accordance with the amount of liquid included in thebladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by the amountof liquid used and/or the type of liquid used.

If the core of the knee relief pad 14 includes a gas holding bladder,the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. The gas may beair or other suitable gases. The geometric shape of the knee relief padmay be adjusted in accordance with the amount of gas included in thebladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by the amountof gas used.

FIG. 5 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a knee relief pad14 that includes a core and a cover. The knee relief pad 14 of FIG. 5 issimilar to the knee relief pad of FIG. 3, with the exception that thethigh and/or calf cups 15 and 17 are of different shape. As shown inFIG. 6, both cups span the width of the knee relief pad.

FIGS. 7-11A illustrate inside, outside, and cross-section views of oneor more embodiments of a kneepad 12. In general, a kneepad 12 includes arigid material shell 18 and further includes one or more of an interiorfoam 20, an interior high friction coefficient material 22, an exterioranti-skid section 24, and an exterior shock absorbing section 26. Therigid material shell 18 may be comprised of one or more of rubber,plastic, metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, leather, etc.

The kneepad 12 includes a contact surface 30, side encompassing wings28, and a top encompassing wing 32 to at least partially encompass theknee area of a person wearing the knee protection system 10. The contactsurface 30 has a width (w) and length (L) as shown in FIG. 9, has ahorizontal concaved shape as shown in FIG. 11, and has a verticalconcaved shape as shown in FIG. 11A. Note that the dimensions for thewidth and length are determined based on the desired area of protectionand may range from a few inches to a foot or more. Further note that invarious embodiments of the kneepad 12, one or more of the sideencompassing wings 28 and/or the top encompassing wing 32 may beomitted.

The dimensions of the horizontal concave shape of FIG. 11 (arc radius,arc angle, arc width, arc height, arc length, and/or arc apothem) varydepending on the desired aspects of the concaved shape. For instance,for a shallow concaved shape, the arch height may be a less than ½ inchand the arch width corresponds to the interior width of the kneepad. Fora more pronounced concaved shape, the arch height may be greater than ½inch and the arch width may be less than the interior width of thekneepad. Further, the exterior arc of the horizontal concaved shape doesnot have to parallel the interior arc of the horizontal concaved shape.For instance, the exterior arc may be near flat (e.g., arc height of ¼inch) and the interior arc may be a more pronounced arc shape (e.g., archeight of 1 inch or more). The thickness of the horizontal concavedshape is depending on the material used (e.g., less than a ¼ inch forplastic, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber and greater than ¼ forleather). Further, the thickness of the horizontal concaved shape may beuniform or may vary depending on the dimensions for the interior arc andthe exterior arc of the horizontal concaved shape.

The dimensions of the vertical concave shape of FIG. 11A (arc radius,arc angle, arc width, arc height, arc length, and/or arc apothem) varydepending on the desired aspects of the concaved shape. For instance,for a shallow concaved shape, the arch height may be a less than ½ inchand the arch width corresponds to the interior width of the kneepad. Fora more pronounced concaved shape, the arch height may be greater than ½inch and the arch width may be less than the interior width of thekneepad. Further, the exterior arc of the vertical concaved shape doesnot have to parallel the interior arc of the vertical concaved shape.For instance, the exterior arc may be near flat (e.g., arc height of ¼inch) and the interior arc may be a more pronounced arc shape (e.g., archeight of 1 inch or more). The thickness of the vertical concaved shapeis depending on the material used (e.g., less than 1/16 inch to ¼ inchfor plastic, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber and about a ¼ inch or morefor leather). Further, the thickness of the vertical concaved shape maybe uniform or may vary depending on the dimensions for the interior arcand the exterior arc of the horizontal concaved shape.

Each of the side encompassing wings 28 of FIG. 11 has a thickness (t)and a depth (d) and is coupled to the contact surface. Each of the sideencompassing wings 28 may have, from a cross-sectional view, a concavedshape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, orother shape. The depth of the side encompassing wings 28 may range from¼ inch to several inches and the thickness depends on the material usedand is comparable to the thickness of the contact surface. The sideencompassing wings 28 may be of the same material as the contact surfaceor of a different material. If of the same material, the sideencompassing wings 28 may be molded, casted, or otherwise fabricated aspart of the kneepad shell.

The top encompassing wing 32 of FIG. 11A has a thickness (t1) and adepth (dl) and is coupled to the contact surface. The top encompassingwing 32 may have, from a cross-sectional view, a concaved shape, asquare shape, a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or other shape.The depth of the top encompassing wing may range from ¼ inch to severalinches and the thickness depends on the material used and is comparableto the thickness of the contact surface. The top encompassing wing maybe of the same material as the contact surface or of a differentmaterial.

The foam 20, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 11A is coupled (e.g.,glued, snapped, or otherwise adhered to) the contact surface 30 toprovide contact pressure relief when the user is kneeling. The foam 20has a geometric shape that corresponds to the interior of the contactsurface 30 and is of a thickness to provide a desired level of contactpressure relief, which may vary depending on the type of foam used. Forinstance, the foam 20 may be polyurethane foam, high-density foam, highresilient foam, neoprene foam, and/or other type of foam.

The high friction coefficient material 22 covers, or at least partiallycovers, the foam as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 11A. The high frictioncoefficient material 22 minimizes movement of the kneepad, with respectto the user's knee, when the user is moving. For example, the highfriction coefficient material 22 may be a soft rubber having a knobbypattern, a line pattern, a cross-hash pattern, or other pattern, toprovide a high friction coefficient interior surface of the kneepad 12while maintaining a level of comfort of the kneepad.

The anti-skid section 24, as shown in FIG. 9, has a geometric shape thatcorresponds to the exterior of the contact surface. The anti-skidsection 24 may be a pattern integrated into the exterior of the contactsurface to improve friction between the kneepad 12 and the surface onwhich the user is kneeling. Alternatively, the anti-skid section 24 maybe a separate component that is adhered to the exterior of the contactsurface.

The shock absorbing section 26, as shown in FIG. 10, has a geometricshape that corresponds to the exterior of the contact surface. The shockabsorbing section 26 may be a pattern (e.g., ripple, corrugated,accordion, or other) integrated into the exterior of the contact surface30 to reduce the impact of sudden contact between the kneepad and thesurface on which the user is kneeling. Alternatively, the shockabsorbing section 26 may be a separate component that is adhered to theexterior of the contact surface.

FIG. 12 is a non-flexed leg diagram of an embodiment of a couplingmechanism 16 of a knee protection system 10. The coupling mechanism 16includes a series of coupling straps 34, a series of connectors, and oneor more eyelets 36. Each of the straps 34 may be cloth, plastic,leather, a synthetic cloth, and/or other material. One end of each strapis attached (e.g., glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) to thekneepad 12 or the knee relief pad 14. The other end of each strap isattached (e.g., glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) to a maleportion of one of the connectors (e.g., Velcro™, buckle, clip, snap,hook and post, etc.). The female portion of the connectors is attachedto the kneepad 12 or the knee relief pad 14.

In an example embodiment, a first coupling strap 34 is attached to oneedge of the kneepad 12 near the top of the kneepad 12 and thecorresponding female portion of the corresponding connector is coupledto the kneepad 12 on the other edge at the top. A second coupling strap34 is attached to one edge of the kneepad 12 near the bottom of thekneepad and the corresponding female portion of the correspondingconnector is coupled to the kneepad 12 on the other edge at the bottom.The one or more eyelets 36 are attached to the second strap 34 and tothe top edge of the knee relief pad 14. A third coupling strap 34 isattached to one edge of the knee relief pad 14 and the correspondingfemale portion of the corresponding connector is coupled to the kneerelief pad 14 on the other edge. Note that each of the straps 34 may beadjustable in length.

For this example embodiment, a user puts on the knee relief pad 14 bypositioning the kneepad 12 in a desired position and wraps the first andsecond straps 34 around the back of the leg to secure the straps via theconnectors. The user then wraps the third strap 34 around the front ofthe leg to secure it via the connector. The user may then adjust thelength of one or more of the straps 34 to obtain a desired fit.

FIG. 13 is a non-flexed leg diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism 16 of a knee protection system 10. The coupling mechanism 16includes a series of coupling straps 34 and a series of connectors (notshown). Each of the straps 34 may be cloth, plastic, leather, asynthetic cloth, and/or other material. One end of each strap 34 isattached to the kneepad 12 or the knee relief pad 14. The other end ofeach strap 34 is attached to a male portion of one of the connectors.The female portion of the connectors is attached to the kneepad or theknee relief pad.

In an example embodiment, a first coupling strap 34 is attached to oneedge of the kneepad 12 near the top of the kneepad 12 and thecorresponding female portion of the corresponding connector is coupledto the kneepad 12 on the other edge at the top. A second coupling strap34 is attached to one edge of the kneepad 12 near the bottom of thekneepad 12 and the corresponding female portion of the correspondingconnector is coupled to the kneepad on the other edge at the bottom. Thesecond strap 34 is also attached to the top edge of the knee relief pad14. This may be done directly or through connecting straps that areattached between the second strap and the knee relief pad 14. A thirdcoupling strap 34 is attached to one edge of the knee relief pad 14 andthe corresponding female portion of the corresponding connector iscoupled to the knee relief pad on the other edge. Note that each of thestraps may be adjustable in length.

For this example embodiment, a user puts on the knee relief system bypositioning the kneepad 12 in a desired position and the wraps the firstand second straps 34 around the back of the leg to secure the straps viathe connectors. The user then wraps the third strap around the front ofthe leg to secure it via the connector. The user may then adjust thelength of one or more of the straps to obtain a desired fit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 ofa knee protection system 10. The coupling mechanism 16 includes aflexible and expandable material 38, one or more male securingmechanisms 40, and one or more female securing mechanisms 42. Theflexible and expandable material 38 may be spandex, neoprene, elasticknit, anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/oranother type of fabric. The male and female securing mechanisms 40 and42 are complimentary components of a securing device, which may be oneor more of Velcro™, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet andpost, button and button hole, tie, etc.

The dimensions of the flexible and expandable material 38 will varydepending on the size of the user. For example, for a large user (e.g.,over six feet tall and a thigh circumference of about twenty-fiveinches) the width would be about 28-33 inches and the length would beabout 12-20 inches. For an even larger user, the width and height wouldbe greater and, for a smaller user, the width and height would be less.The flexible and expandable material 38 may be rectangular in shape, maybe a quadrilateral where the top edge is of a greater width than thebottom edge to account for the difference in circumference between thethigh and the calf, or other tampered or custom shape. For example, theflexible and expandable material 38 may have a trapezium shape, atrapezoid shape, or an isosceles trapezoid shape.

The kneepad 12 is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched,riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the flexible andexpandable material 38 near the top edge and is centered at aboutone-quarter the width from the right edge. The knee relief pad 14 isadhered to the flexible and expandable material near the bottom edge andis centered about three-quarter the width from the right edge. The maleportion of the securing device(s) is attached (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, stitched, riveted, etc.) along the left edge and the correspondingfemale portions is attached along the right edge.

FIG. 15 is a non-flexed leg diagram of the coupling mechanism of theknee protection system 10 of FIG. 14 positioned for securing to the leg.As shown, the knee protection system 10 is positioned such that theapproximate vertical mid-line of the flexible and expandable material 38is aligned with approximately the inside mid-line of the leg. The top ofthe flexible and expandable material 38 is positioned with respect tothe thigh such that the vertical center of the kneepad 12 is at a heightcorresponding to the vertical center of the knee.

FIG. 16 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism 16of the knee protection system 10 of FIG. 14 secured to the leg. Asshown, when the male portion of the securing device(s) is coupled to thefemale portion of the securing device(s), the knee protection system 10is secured to the leg. In this position, the kneepad 12 substantiallycovers the kneecap and the knee relief pad 14 is positioned on the calfsuch that, when the user squats or kneels, the knee relief pad 14 islocated between the thigh and the calf to relieve stress on the knee.From this view, the inside of the knee protection system 10 is free ofcomponents that may rub when the user walks.

FIG. 17 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 14 secured to the leg. From thisview, the securing mechanisms 40 and 42 are on the outside of the user'sleg such that they do not interfere with the user's movement.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism of aknee protection system 10. The coupling mechanism 16 includes a flexibleand expandable material 38, one or more male securing mechanisms 40, andone or more female securing mechanisms 42. The flexible and expandablematerial 38 may be spandex, neoprene, elastic knit, anti-micro-bioticfabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/or another type of fabric. Themale and female securing mechanisms 40 and 42 are complimentarycomponents of a securing device, which may be one or more of Velcro™,buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet and post, button and buttonhole, tie, etc.

In this example embodiment, the flexible and expandable material 38 hasa pattern to provide an upper strap 46, a first gap 44, a second gap 45,and a lower strap 48. The overall dimensions of the flexible andexpandable material 38 will vary depending on the size of the user asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 14. The flexible and expandablematerial may have an overall exterior shape that is rectangular in shapeor may be a quadrilateral where the top edge is of a greater width thanthe bottom edge to account for the difference in circumference betweenthe thigh and the calf. For example, the flexible and expandablematerial may have a trapezium shape, a trapezoid shape, or an isoscelestrapezoid shape. The shape of the gaps 44 and 45 may be rectangular,round rectangular, quadrilateral, elliptical, or other shape, wherein apurpose of including the gap is to substantially eliminate potential forbunching of the flexible and expandable material 38 behind the knee whenthe leg is bent.

The kneepad 12 is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched,riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the flexible andexpandable material near the top edge between the first and second gaps44, 45, and is centered at about one-quarter the width from the rightedge. The knee relief pad 14 is adhered to the flexible and expandablematerial 38 near the bottom edge within the lower strap 48 and iscentered about three-quarter the width from the right edge. The maleportion of the securing device(s) is attached (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, stitched, riveted, etc.) along the left edge and the correspondingfemale portions is attached along the right edge to correspondingsections of the upper and lower straps.

FIG. 19 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism 16of the knee protection system of FIG. 18 secured to the leg. As shown,the gap 44 aligns with the back of the knee such that, when the usersquats or kneels, the flexible and expandable material 38 does not bunchup behind the knee.

FIG. 20 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 18 secured to the leg. From thisview, the securing mechanisms 40 and 42 are on the outside of the user'sleg such that they do not interfere with the user's movement.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate front, back, inside, and outside views of anotherembodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 of a knee protection system 10.The coupling mechanism 16 includes a loose fitting flexible andexpandable sleeve 50, a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad 14, tighteningstraps 34, and securing mechanisms 40 and 42. The loose fitting flexibleand expandable sleeve 50 may be spandex, neoprene, elastic knit,anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/or another typeof fabric. Each securing mechanism 40 and 42 includes complimentarycomponents (e.g., male and female) of a securing device, which may beone or more of Velcro™, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet andpost, button and button hole, tie, etc.

The dimensions of the loose fitting flexible and expandable sleeve 50will vary depending on the size of the user. For example, for a largeuser (e.g., over six feet tall and a thigh circumference of abouttwenty-five inches) the circumference would be about 28-33 inches andthe length would be about 12-20 inches. For an even larger user, thecircumference and height would be greater and, for a smaller user, thecircumference and height would be less. The loose fitting flexible andexpandable sleeve may be cylindrical in shape or may be taperedcylindrical in shape where the top circumference is greater width thanthe bottom circumference to account for the difference in circumferencebetween the thigh and the calf. Regardless of its particular shape, thecircumference of the sleeve is of a sufficiently large size for it toslip over shoes and/or boots worn by the user and positioned about thelow thigh, knee, and upper calf area of the leg.

The kneepad 12, as shown in FIG. 21, is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, stitched, riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the frontof the sleeve 50 near the top edge. The knee relief pad 14, as shown inFIG. 22, is adhered to the back of the sleeve 50 near the bottom edge.

Each of the tightening straps 34 may adjustable in length and may becomprised of cloth, plastic, leather, a synthetic cloth, and/or othermaterial. One end of each tightening strap 34, as shown in FIG. 23, isattached (e.g., glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) to the insideof the sleeve 50. On the other end of each strap 34 is attached (e.g.,glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) a male portion of one of thesecuring device. The female portion of each securing device, as shown inFIG. 24, is attached (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched, riveted,etc.) to the outside of the sleeve.

FIG. 25 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism 16of the knee protection system 10 of FIG. 21 positioned for securing tothe leg. As shown, the knee protection system 10 is positioned such thatthe approximate vertical mid-line of the loose fitting flexible andexpandable sleeve is aligned with approximately the inside mid-line ofthe leg. The top of the sleeve 50 is positioned with respect to thethigh such that the vertical center of the kneepad 12 is at a heightcorresponding to the vertical center of the knee. The tightening straps34 are secured on the inside of the sleeve. Alternatively, one or moreof the tightening straps may be secured on the outside of the sleeve toprovide a counter-force when tightening the straps.

FIG. 26 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 21 positioned for securing to theleg. From this view, the female portions 42 of the securing devices areon the outside of the sleeve 50 and at an approximate vertical mid-lineof the outer leg.

FIG. 27 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 21 secured to the leg. As shown,when the male portion of the securing device(s) is coupled to the femaleportion of the securing device(s), the knee protection system is securedto the leg. In this position, the kneepad 12 substantially covers thekneecap and the knee relief pad 14 is positioned on the calf such that,when the user squats or kneels, the knee relief pad 14 is locatedbetween the thigh and the calf to relieve stress on the knee. From thisview, the inside of the knee protection system 10 is free of componentsthat may rub when the user walks. Alternatively, one or more of thefemale portions of the securing device may be on the inside of the leg.

FIG. 28 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 21 secured to the leg. From thisview, the securing mechanisms 40 and 42 are on the outside of the user'sleg such that they do not interfere with the user's movement.

FIG. 29 is a top view diagram of another embodiment of a couplingmechanism 16 of a knee protection system 10. The coupling mechanism 16includes a kneepad frame 68, a hinge section 66, two size adjustingmechanisms 62, and a knee relief pad frame 60. The coupling mechanismmay further include two pivoting mechanisms 64. Each of the componentsof the coupling mechanism may be comprised of one or more of plastic,metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber, leather, and/or other type material.

From a top perspective (i.e., looking from the hip to the ankle), thekneepad frame 68 has a similar shape to the vertical cross-sectionalview of the kneepad 12 of FIG. 11. The kneepad frame 68 further includesa hinge coupling section 66 and a clasping mechanism coupling section70. For example, one wing and a corresponding set of knuckles of thehinge may be integrated into the kneepad frame 68 and the other wing andother corresponding set of knuckles are integrated into the pivotingmechanism 64 (if included) or into the size adjusting mechanism 62 (ifthe pivoting mechanism is excluded). As another example, the kneepadframe 68 includes a surface area to which a wing of a hinge is attached(screwed, nut and bolt, riveted, glued, welded, etc.). For this example,the pivoting mechanism 64 or the size adjusting mechanism 62 includes acorresponding surface area to which the other wing of the hinge isattached.

Foam 20 and/or a high friction coefficient material 22 are attached tothe inside of the kneepad frame 68. Also, an anti-skid section 24 and/orshock absorbing section 26 may be attached to the outside of the kneepadframe 68. The attaching of these components to the kneepad frame 68 maybe done in a similar manner as they are attached to the kneepad 12 inone or more of FIGS. 7-11A.

Also from the top perspective, the knee relief pad frame 60 has asimilar shape to the kneepad frame 68. The knee relief pad frame 60further includes a size adjusting mechanism coupling section 62. Forexample, the knee relief pad frame 60 includes a surface area to whichthe size adjusting mechanism is attached (screwed, nut and bolt,riveted, glued, welded, etc.).

Foam 20 and/or a high friction coefficient material 22 are attached tothe inside of the knee relief pad frame 60. The attaching of thesecomponents to the knee relief pad frame 60 may be done in a similarmanner as they are attached to the kneepad 12 in one or more of FIGS.7-11A. The knee relief pad 14 is attached to the outside of the kneerelief pad frame 60.

The size adjusting mechanism 62 allows for the inner circumference ofthe knee protection system 10 to be increased or decreased depending thecircumference of the user's leg. In an example embodiment, the sizeadjusting mechanism 62 is comprised of the same material as the kneepadframe and includes a first piece and a second piece, each of whichincludes a slot, which are aligned. Securing hardware is threadedthrough both slots and the two pieces are adjusted to a desired length.When the two pieces are set at the desired length, the securing hardwareis tightened to hold the two pieces in place.

As another example, the size adjusting mechanism 62 includes two piecesof flexible and expandable material (as previously defined), each piecehaving attached thereto, at one end, a male or female portion of asecuring mechanism (e.g., as discussed with reference to FIG. 14). Theother end of one of the pieces is attached to the knee relief pad frame60; the other end of the other piece is attached to the pivotingmechanism 64 (if included) or the hinge 66 (if the pivoting mechanism isnot included). As yet another example, the size adjusting mechanism 62may be incorporated into the clasping mechanism 70 where the claspingmechanism 70 includes ski boot buckles (on both sides or on just oneside). Note that the size adjusting mechanism 62 may further adjust fordifferences in circumferences of a user's leg, which varies from thethigh to the calf.

The pivoting mechanism 64 allows the positioning of the kneepad frame topivot with respect to the knee relief pad frame 60. In an example, thepivoting mechanism 64 may be a hinge like device that includes twowings, two buckles (one affixed to each of the wings), and a securingpin. The two buckles are side by side from a top perspective.

The clasping mechanism 70 secures the knee protection system about theleg and may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, theclasping mechanism may be one or more of ski boot buckles, clips,clasps, buckles, Velcro™, buckle-clips (e.g., backpack clips), etc.

FIG. 30 is a top view diagram of the coupling mechanism 16 of the kneeprotection system 10 of FIG. 29 in an open position. In this position,the knee protection system may be easily positioned about the leg.

FIG. 31 is a front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanism ofthe knee protection system 10 of FIG. 29 in an open position. From thisperspective, the kneepad frame 68 has an upside down T shape and theknee relief pad frame 60 has a right side up T shape. In this example,the hinge 66 is shown has a convention hinge having two wings, knuckles,and a pin. Alternatively, the hinge 66 could be a piece of flexiblematerial (e.g., cloth, leather) that allows the for the knee protectionsystem to open and close repeatedly.

FIG. 31A is a cross-sectional view diagram of the knee relief pad frame60 of the knee protection system of FIG. 29. As shown, the knee reliefpad frame 60 has a concaved shape behind the knee relief pad to bettercradle the calf. The foam and high friction coefficient material have acorresponding concaved shape.

FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional view diagram of the kneepad frame 68 ofthe knee protection system of FIG. 29. As shown, the kneepad frame 68has a concaved shape behind the kneepad to better cradle the knee. Thefoam and high friction coefficient material have a correspondingconcaved shape.

FIG. 32 is another front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanism16 of the knee protection system 10 of FIG. 29 in an open position. Inthis embodiment, the coupling mechanism 16 further includes one or moresecuring strap pairs 76 to facilitated securing the knee protectionsystem 10 to the leg. At the ends of each securing strap pair 76 aremale or female securing mechanisms 78 and 80. As shown, one strap pair76 is attached to the kneepad frame 68 and the other strap pair 76 isattached to the knee relief pad frame 60.

To further facilitate securing the knee protection system to the leg,the coupling mechanism 16 includes a male clasping mechanism 72 and afemale clasping mechanism 74. The male clasping mechanism 72 is coupledto the knee relief pad frame 60 and may be implemented similarly to themale coupling mechanism 40. The female clasping mechanism 74 is coupledto the kneepad frame 68 and may be implemented similarly to the femalecoupling mechanism 42.

FIG. 33 is a non-flexed inside leg diagram of the knee protection system10 that includes the coupling mechanism of FIG. 31 secured to the leg.

FIG. 34 is a non-flexed outside leg diagram of the knee protectionsystem that includes the coupling mechanism of FIG. 31 secured to theleg.

FIG. 35 is another non-flexed inside leg diagram of the knee protectionsystem that includes the coupling mechanism of FIG. 32 secured to theleg.

FIG. 36 is another non-flexed outside leg diagram of the knee protectionsystem that includes the coupling mechanism of FIG. 32 secured to theleg.

FIG. 37 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system 10 of FIG.29. As shown, the user's leg is flexed (bent to a kneeling position),which places the kneepad 12 on contact with a kneeling surface (e.g.,the ground, a floor, concrete slab, etc.). Further, the knee relief pad14 is in contact with the user's thigh and calf, which reduces thestress on the knee and reduces the risk of cartilage damage.

FIG. 38 is another front expanded view diagram of the coupling mechanism16 of the knee protection system 10 of FIG. 29 in an open position. Inthis embodiment, the knee relief pad frame 60 is rectangular in shapeand the kneepad frame 68 is an elongated inverse T shape. The pivotingmechanisms 64 (if included) and the size adjusting mechanisms 62 havethe same length as the knee relief pad frame. The components of thisembodiment function and may be constructed in a similar manner as thecorresponding components of the embodiment of FIG. 29 with differentdimensions.

FIG. 39 is another non-flexed inside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 with the couplingmechanism of FIG. 38 secured to the leg.

FIG. 40 is another non-flexed outside leg diagram of the couplingmechanism of the knee protection system of FIG. 29 with the couplingmechanism of FIG. 38 secured to the leg.

FIGS. 41 and 42 are non-flexed inside and outside leg view diagrams ofanother embodiment of a knee protection system 10. The knee protectionsystem 10 includes a kneepad 12, a plurality of supporting rods 82, 90,a thigh harness 84, a calf harness 88, securing straps 92, and degreelocking pivot mechanisms 86. The supporting rods 82, 90 may be comprisedof plastic, wood, steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber, nylon resin, and/orother material that provides structural support and can be shaped to adesired shape. The calf and thigh harnesses 84 and 88 may be comprisedof a breathable, flexible, and/or expandable material such as cloth, amesh, leather, etc. The inside of each of the harnesses 84 and 88 mayinclude a padding material such as foam or like material. The securingstraps 92 may be implemented as previously discussed with reference toone or more of FIGS. 12, 13, 23, 24, and 32. The kneepad 12 may beimplemented as previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 7-11A. Thedegree locking pivot mechanism 86 may be a quick set hinge, a bilateralhinge, or some other structure similar to the ones used on adjustablerange knee braces or the like.

In this example, the supporting rods include two calf support rods 90(one on the inside and the other on the outside), two thigh supportingrods 82 (one on the inside and the other on the outside), and twokneepad supporting rods 91 (one of the inside and the other on theoutside). The cross-sectional shape of the support rods may be circular,elliptical, rectangular with square or rounded corners, or other shape.The length of the supporting rods may be adjustable to customize the fitfor a given user.

On the inside of the leg, as shown in FIG. 41, the calf, the thigh, andthe kneepad supporting rods are mechanically coupled to a degree lockingpivot mechanism 86. The mechanically coupling includes one or more ofscrews, nuts and bolts, rivets, welding, adhesive, and/or other means.This also occurs on the outside of the leg as shown in FIG. 42.

The degree locking pivot mechanism 86 allows the leg to easily bend upto a particular degree (e.g., five degrees or more). At this particulardegree, the degree locking pivot mechanism 86 locks, preventing the legfrom bending any further. When this occurs, the thigh presses into thethigh harness and the calf presses into the calf harness, which supportsthe leg and reduces stress on the knee.

FIG. 43 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIGS.41 and 42. In this example, the kneepad 12 is contact with the kneelingsurface to reduce contact pressure on the knee. As is also shown in thisexample, the degree locking pivot mechanisms 86 are locked at aparticular angle, which prevents the thigh from directly contacting thecalf. As shown, the thigh is resting in the thigh harness and the calfharness is pushing down on the calf. In this position, the user's kneeexperiences less stress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilagefrom stress-related damage.

FIGS. 44 and 45 are non-flexed inside and outside leg view diagrams ofanother embodiment of a knee protection system. The knee protectionsystem 10 includes a kneepad 12, a plurality of supporting rods 82, 90,91, a thigh flexible and expandable material 94, a calf flexible andexpandable material 96, and degree locking pivot mechanisms 86. Thesupporting rods, the degree locking pivoting mechanisms, and the kneepadmay be of similar material and construct as previously described withreference to one or more of FIGS. 41-43.

The calf and thigh flexible and expandable material 94 96 may bespandex, neoprene, elastic knit, anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisturewicking fabric, and/or another type of fabric. One end of each of thecalf and thigh flexible and expandable material 94 96 is secured to aninside leg supporting rod as shown. On the other end of each of the calfand thigh flexible and expandable material 94 96 is attached a malesecuring mechanism 40. The corresponding female securing mechanism 42 isattached to the securing rods on the outside of the leg. Note that theinside of the calf and thigh flexible and expandable material 94 96 mayinclude a padding material such as foam or like material.

In this example, to secure the knee protection system 10 to the leg, thecalf and thigh flexible and expandable materials 94 96 are wrappedaround the calf and thigh, respectively, and secured to the femalesecuring mechanisms. When secured to the leg, the degree locking pivotmechanisms allow the leg to easily bend up to a particular degree (e.g.,five degrees or more). At this particular degree, the degree lockingpivot mechanism locks, preventing the leg from bending any further. Whenthis occurs, the thigh presses into the thigh flexible and expandablematerial and the calf presses into the calf flexible and expandablematerial, which supports the leg and reduces stress on the knee.

FIG. 46 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system 10 ofFIGS. 44 and 45. In this example, the kneepad 12 is contact with thekneeling surface to reduce contact pressure on the knee. As is alsoshown in this example, the degree locking pivot mechanisms 86 are lockedat a particular angle, which prevents the thigh from directly contactingthe calf. As shown, the thigh is resting in the thigh flexible andexpandable material 94 and the calf flexible and expandable material 96is pushing down on the calf. In this position, the user's kneeexperiences less stress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilagefrom stress-related damage.

FIG. 47 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment ofadjustable knee relief pad 14 positioning of a knee protection system10. The knee protection system 10 includes a kneepad 12, a couplingmechanism 16, a knee relief pad 14 and an adjustable positioningmechanism 98. The kneepad 12 and the coupling mechanism 16 may beimplemented as previously discussed with reference to one or more of thepreceding figures.

The adjustable positioning mechanism 98 is attached (e.g., glued,stapled, sewn, stitched, riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) tothe coupling mechanism 16. The knee relief pad 14 is coupled to theadjustable positioning mechanism 98, which allows the knee relief pad 14to be positioned on the calf in a variety of places (e.g., closer to theback of the knee, closer to the Achilles tendon, etc.). In oneembodiment, the adjustable positioning mechanism 98 includes the male orfemale portion of a Velcro-type fastener and the other portion isattached to the backside of the knee relief pad 14. In otherembodiments, the adjustable positioning mechanism 98 may include clips,snaps, and/or other such types of fasteners. Other examples of theadjustable positioning mechanism are shown in FIGS. 48-50.

FIG. 48 is a diagram of an embodiment of an adjustable knee relief padpositioning mechanism 98 of the knee protection system of FIG. 47. Inthis example embodiment, the adjustable positioning mechanism 98comprises a sliding dovetail type system. The pin portion of the slidingdovetail system is attached to the coupling mechanism 16 and the tailportion of the sliding dovetail system is implemented on the backside ofthe knee relief pad 14. The pin may have a rounded top as shown or othershape where the top is wider than the bottom, with respect to thecoupling mechanism.

The fit of the tail portion on the pin portion is tight enough toprevent the knee relief pad 14 from easily falling off but not too tightas to prevent it from being repositioned. When the user is kneeling orsquatting, the user compresses the knee relief pad, which furthersecures it into the desired position along the back of the calf.

FIGS. 49 and 50 are back and side view diagrams of another embodiment ofan adjustable knee relief pad positioning mechanism of the kneeprotection system of FIG. 47. In this example embodiment, the adjustablepositioning mechanism 98 includes one or more coupling slides 100 102that are attached to the coupling mechanism. Mating coupling slides 100are attached to the backside of the knee relief pad 14. The matingcoupling slides 100 may have a coupling mechanism at one end to allowfor the knee relief pad to be detached from the coupling slides.

When a user wears the knee protection system, the user can adjust thepositioning of the knee relief pad 14 by sliding it up (towards theknee) or down (towards the Achilles tendon) via the coupling slides 102,which are attached to the coupling mechanism 16, and mating couplingslides 100. The slides 100 102 may be comprised of plastic, rubber,leather, simulated leather, cloth, nylon, and/or other type of material.

FIG. 51 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment of aleg protection system 11 that includes a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad14, a foot relief pad 104, and a coupling mechanism 16. The kneepad 12may be implemented as described with reference to one or more of FIGS.7-11. The knee relief pad 14 may be implemented as described withreference to one or more of FIGS. 3-6 and FIGS. 41-50. The couplingmechanism 16 may be implemented similarly to the coupling mechanism ofFIG. 1, with different dimensions to accommodate the foot relief pad.The foot relief pad 104 may be implemented as will be described withreference to FIGS. 51A and 51B.

In one or more embodiments, the kneepad 12, the knee relief pad 14, andthe foot relief pad 104 are secured to the coupling mechanism 16 in oneof a variety of ways (e.g., stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hookand loop fastener, hook and pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snapfastener, clip and fastener, push type retainer, etc.) in desiredpositions. For instance, the kneepad is positioned with respect to thecoupling mechanism such that, when a user wears the leg protectionsystem, the kneepad at least partially covers the user's knee to reducecontact pressure with a kneeling surface when the user is kneeling.

The knee relief pad 14 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism 16 such that, when the user wears the knee protection systemand the user is kneeling or in a squat position, the knee relief pad isin contact with the user's thigh and calf. With the knee relief pad isin contact with the user's thigh and calf, the user's knee experiencesless stress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilage fromstress-related damage.

The foot relief pad 104 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism 16 such that, when the user wears the leg protection systemand the user is kneeling, the foot relief pad is in contact with theuser's shin and/or foot and the kneeling surface. With the foot reliefpad 104 is in contact with the user's shin and/or foot and the kneelingsurface, the user's foot experiences less stress and, as such, helpsreduce fatiguing of the foot and ankle area when the user is kneelingfor an extended period of time.

FIG. 51-1 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of an embodiment of aleg protection system 11 that includes a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad14, a foot relief pad 104, and a coupling mechanism 16. In thisembodiment, the coupling mechanism 16 includes a combination of a sleeve(upper part around the lower thigh and knee) and a flexible andexpandable material that wraps around the lower leg. The upper sleeveincludes one or more straps for tightening the leg protection system tothe leg. The straps may be similar to the straps of one or more of FIGS.23-28. The lower wrap includes one or more securing mechanism similar tothe ones of one or more of FIGS. 14-20.

FIG. 51A is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a foot relief pad104 that includes a core and a cover. The core includes one or moresolid materials, a liquid holding bladder, and/or a gas holding bladder.The cover may be an integral part of the knee relief pad when itincludes a liquid holding bladder or a gas holding bladder or it may bea separate component. When the cover is a separate component, it encasesthe core and may be constructed from leather, plastic, fabric, etc. Notethat a solid material may be one of: gel, rubber, silicon, polyurethanefoam, high-density foam, high resilient foam, neoprene foam, and othertypes of foam, cotton, synthetic materials, etc.

The foot relief pad 104 includes a geometric shape that has a firstheight (h1), a second height (h2), a length (L1), an angle (φ), a flatsurface, and a shin cup section 106. The length of the foot relief pad104 may be in range of a few inches to over a foot; the second heightmay be a fraction of inch to 6 inches or more, and the first height maybe 1.25 times to 5 times, or more, of the second height. The angle isequated based on the length, the first height, and the second height.For instance, tan (φ)=(h1−h2)/L1.

The shin cup 106 is a concaved shape (with respect to a portion of thewidth (w) of the foot relief pad) on the surface of the foot relief pad104 that comes into contact with the user's shin. This is illustrated inthe cross section view of FIG. 51B. The shin cup 106 may also have aconcaved shape with respect to the length (or a portion thereof) of thefoot relief pad 104. In general, the shin cup 106 is intended to bettercradle the shin when it is in contact with the foot relief pad, whichimproves comfort and constituency of fit.

If the core of the foot relief pad 104 includes a liquid holdingbladder, the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. Theliquid may be water, a gel, an oil, etc. The liquid holding bladder mayinclude multiple compartments, each capable of containing the same ordifferent liquid. As such, the geometric shape of the foot relief pad104 may be adjusted in accordance with the amount of liquid included inthe bladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by theamount of liquid used and/or the type of liquid used.

If the core of the foot relief pad 104 includes a gas holding bladder,the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. The gas may beair or other suitable gases. The geometric shape of the foot relief padmay be adjusted in accordance with the amount of gas included in thebladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by the amountof gas used.

FIG. 52 is a flexed leg diagram of the leg protection system 11 of FIG.51. As shown, the user's leg is flexed (bent to a kneeling position),which places the kneepad 12 on contact with a kneeling surface (e.g.,the ground, a floor, concrete slab, etc.). The knee relief pad 14 is incontact with the user's thigh and calf, which reduces the stress on theknee and reduces the risk of cartilage damage. The foot relief pad 104is in contact with the user's shin and/or foot and the kneeling surfacesuch that the user's toes have minimal contact with the kneelingsurface. In this manner, stress and fatigue of the foot are reduced whenthe user is kneeling for an extended period of time.

FIG. 53 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa leg protection system 110 that includes an integrated kneepad and footrelief pad 114, a knee relief pad 14, and a coupling mechanism 16. Theknee relief pad 14 may be implemented as described with reference to oneor more of FIGS. 3-6 and FIGS. 41-50. The coupling mechanism 16 may beimplemented similarly to the coupling mechanism of one or more of theprevious figures, with dimensions altered to accommodate the integratedkneepad and foot relief pad 114. The integrated kneepad and foot reliefpad 114, which includes a kneepad area 112, may be implemented as willbe described with reference to FIGS. 53A and 53B.

In one or more embodiments, the integrated kneepad and the foot reliefpad 104 and the knee relief pad 14 are secured to the coupling mechanism16 in one of a variety of ways (e.g., stitching, adhesive, riveting,Velcro™, hook and loop fastener, hook and pile fastener, touch fastener,zipper, snap fastener, clip and fastener, push type retainer, etc.) indesired positions. For instance, the kneepad area 112 of the integratedkneepad and foot relief pad 114 is positioned with respect to thecoupling mechanism 16 such that, when a user wears the leg protectionsystem 110, the kneepad area 112 at least partially covers the user'sknee to reduce contact pressure with a kneeling surface when the user iskneeling.

The foot relief pad portion of the integrated kneepad and foot reliefpad 114 is positioned with respect to the coupling mechanism 16 suchthat, when the user wears the leg protection system 110 and the user iskneeling, the foot relief pad is in contact with the user's shin and thekneeling surface. With the foot relief pad portion is in contact withthe user's shin and the kneeling surface, the user's foot experiencesless stress and, as such, helps to fatiguing of the foot and ankle areawhen the user is kneeling for an extended period of time.

The knee relief pad 14 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism such that, when the user wears the knee protection system andthe user is kneeling or in a squat position, the knee relief pad is incontact with the user's thigh and calf. With the knee relief pad is incontact with the user's thigh and calf, the user's knee experiences lessstress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilage from stress-relateddamage.

FIG. 53A is a side view diagram of an embodiment of an integratedkneepad and foot relief pad 14 that includes a core and a cover. Thecore includes one or more solid materials, a liquid holding bladder,and/or a gas holding bladder. The cover may be an integral part of theknee relief pad when it includes a liquid holding bladder or a gasholding bladder or it may be a separate component. When the cover is aseparate component, it encases the core and may be constructed fromleather, plastic, fabric, etc. Note that a solid material may be one of:gel, rubber, silicon, polyurethane foam, high-density foam, highresilient foam, neoprene foam, and other types of foam, cotton,synthetic materials, etc.

The integrated kneepad and foot relief pad 114 includes a geometricshape that has a first height (h1), a second height (h2), a third height(h3), a first length (L1), a second length (L2), a third length (L3), avariable length (L_(vary)), an angle (φ), a flat surface, a shin cupsection 118, and a knee cup section 116. The second length, whichcorresponds to the foot relief pad portion, may be in range of a fewinches to over a foot. The third length corresponds to the kneepadportion and may be in the range of a few inches to over a foot. Thefirst, or overall, length is the sum of the second, third, and variablelengths. The variable length will vary depending on the desired lengthsfor each of the second and third lengths and the target height range ofusers.

Each of the second and third heights may be a fraction of inch to a fewinches. The first height may be 1.25 times to 5 times, or more, of thesecond height. The angle is equated based on the second length, thefirst height, and the second height. For instance, tan (φ)=(h1−h2)/L2.

The shin cup 118 is a concaved shape (with respect to a portion of thewidth (w) of the integrated pad) on the surface of the foot relief padthat comes into contact with the user's shin. This is illustrated in thecross section view of FIG. 53B. The shin cup 118 may also have aconcaved shape with respect to the length (or a portion thereof) of thefoot relief pad. In general, the shin cup 118 is intended to bettercradle the shin when it is in contact with the foot relief pad, whichimproves comfort and constituency of fit.

The knee cup 116 is a concaved shape as shown in FIG. 53C. The knee cupmay further include one or more of an interior foam 20, an interior highfriction coefficient material 22, an exterior anti-skid section 24,and/or an exterior shock absorbing section 25.

If the core of the integrated pad 114 includes a liquid holding bladder,the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. The liquid maybe water, a gel, an oil, etc. The liquid holding bladder may includemultiple compartments, each capable of containing the same or differentliquid. As such, the geometric shape of the integrated pad may beadjusted in accordance with the amount of liquid included in thebladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by the amountof liquid used and/or the type of liquid used.

If the core of the integrated pad 114 includes a gas holding bladder,the bladder may be constructed of a non-porous plastic. The gas may beair or other suitable gases. The geometric shape of the integrated padmay be adjusted in accordance with the amount of gas included in thebladder. Further, the softness or hardness may be adjusted by the amountof gas used.

FIG. 54 is a flexed leg diagram of the leg protection system of FIG. 53.As shown, the user's leg is flexed, which places the kneepad area 112 incontact with a kneeling surface. The knee relief pad 14 is in contactwith the user's thigh and calf, which reduces the stress on the knee andreduces the risk of cartilage damage. The foot relief pad area of theintegrated pad 114 is in contact with the user's shin and/or foot andthe kneeling surface such that the user's toes have minimal contact withthe kneeling surface. In this manner, stress and fatigue of the foot arereduced when the user is kneeling for an extended period of time. Inaddition, the kneepad area 112 of the integrated pad 114 is in contactwith the kneeling surface to reduce contact pressure on the knee.

FIG. 55 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa catcher's leg protection system 111 that includes a coupling mechanism16, a knee relief pad 14, a kneepad area 112, above the knee guards 120,a foot guard 122, and an integrated kneepad and foot relief pad 114. Thecoupling mechanism 16 may be implemented using one or more of thecoupling mechanisms discussed herein scaled to cover from the lowerthigh to around the ankle. As an example, the coupling mechanism mayinclude a sleeve portion for the lower calf area and one or moreflexible and expandable material areas around the knee area (e.g., oneabove the knee and a second one below the knee).

The exterior of each of the above the knee guards 120, the foot guard122, and the integrated kneepad and foot relief pad 114 include a hardouter shell to withstand the impact of a baseball traveling at 90 mph ormore. For example, the outer shell may be comprised of plastic.Otherwise, the above the knee guards 120 may be implemented in a similarfashion and one or more of the kneepads discussed herein scaled to wraparound and protect the upper knee area and/or above the knee area.Similarly, the integrated kneepad and foot relief pad 114 may beimplemented in a similar fashion and one or more the integrated kneepadand foot relief pads discussed.

The knee relief pad 14, the above the knee guards 120, and theintegrated kneepad and foot relief pad 114 are attached to the couplingmechanism using one or more attaching methods as discussed herein. Thefoot guard 122 is attached to the bottom end of the integrated kneepadand foot relief pad such that the foot relief pad flexes as the footflexes. Note that the integrated kneepad and foot relief pad may omitthe foot relief pad section and have a more conventional catcher's shinguard shape. Further note that a catcher would use a leg protectionsystem on each leg.

FIG. 56 is a flexed leg diagram of the catcher's leg protection system111 of FIG. 55 with the catcher in a squat position. As shown, the footguard 122 adjusts its position correspondingly to the position of thefoot. As is further shown, the knee relief pad 14 is in contact with thethigh and the calf thereby relieving stress on the knee. Note that theknee relief pad 14 may be attached to the coupling mechanism using anadjustable position mechanism as discussed herein. Further note that thedifferent versions (e.g., longer, more slope, less slope, etc.) may beattached to the coupling mechanism to provide a more custom reduction ofstress on the knees. Still further note that the above the knee guardsmove correspondingly to the movement of the leg to protect the upperknee and/or above the knee area.

FIG. 56A is a flexed leg diagram of the catcher's leg protection system111 of FIG. 55 with the catcher kneeling on the ground. In this positionand if the integrated kneepad and foot relief pad includes the footrelief pad, the foot relief pad takes stress off of the foot.

FIG. 57 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system 10 that includes a kneepad 12, a couplingmechanism 16, and a knee relief pad 124. In this example embodiment, thecoupling mechanism 16 fits over the thigh and the knee relief pad 124 ispositioned on the thigh, which may be in a fixed position or anadjustable position. The coupling mechanism 16 may be implemented usingone or more of the coupling mechanisms discussed herein scaled to coverfrom the thigh and knee areas. Each of the knee relief pad 124 andkneepad 12 are attached to the coupling mechanism using one or moreattaching mechanisms and discussed herein or other attaching mechanism.Further, each of the knee relief pad and the kneepad may be implementedusing one or more of the corresponding implementations discussionherein.

FIG. 58 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system 10 of FIG.57. As shown, when the user is kneeling, the kneepad 12 is contact withthe ground to relieve contact pressure on the knee. As is further shown,the knee relief pad 124 is in contact with the thigh and the calf toreduce stress on the knee.

FIG. 59 is a diagram of an embodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 of aknee protection system 10 of FIG. 57. The coupling mechanism 16 includesa flexible and expandable material 38, one or more male securingmechanisms 40, and one or more female securing mechanisms 42. Theflexible and expandable material 38 may be spandex, neoprene, elasticknit, anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/oranother type of fabric. The male and female securing mechanisms 40 and42 are complimentary components of a securing device, which may be oneor more of Velcro™, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet andpost, button and button hole, tie, etc.

The dimensions of the flexible and expandable material 38 will varydepending on the size of the user. For example, for a large user (e.g.,over six feet tall and a thigh circumference of about twenty-fiveinches) the width would be about 28-33 inches and the length would beabout 12-20 inches. For an even larger user, the width and height wouldbe greater and, for a smaller user, the width and height would be less.The flexible and expandable material may be rectangular in shape or maybe a quadrilateral where the top edge is of a greater width than thebottom edge to account for the difference in circumference between theupper thigh and the knee. For example, the flexible and expandablematerial may have a trapezium shape, a trapezoid shape, or an isoscelestrapezoid shape.

The kneepad 12 is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched,riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the flexible andexpandable material near the bottom edge and is centered at aboutone-quarter the width from the right edge. The knee relief pad 124 isadhered to the flexible and expandable material near the top edge and iscentered about three-quarter the width from the right edge. The maleportion of the securing device(s) is attached (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, stitched, riveted, etc.) along the left edge and the correspondingfemale portions is attached along the right edge.

FIG. 60 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 ofa knee protection system 10 of FIG. 57. The coupling mechanism 16includes a flexible and expandable material 38, one or more malesecuring mechanisms 40, and one or more female securing mechanisms 42.The flexible and expandable material 38 may be spandex, neoprene,elastic knit, anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisture wicking fabric,and/or another type of fabric. The male and female securing mechanismsare complimentary components of a securing device, which may be one ormore of Velcro™, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet and post,button and button hole, tie, etc.

In this example embodiment, the flexible and expandable material 38 hasa pattern to provide an upper strap 128, a gap 44, and a lower strap126. The overall dimensions of the flexible and expandable material 38will vary depending on the size of the user as discussed with referenceto FIG. 59. The flexible and expandable material 38 may have an overallexterior shape that is rectangular in shape or may be a quadrilateralwhere the top edge is of a greater width than the bottom edge to accountfor the difference in circumference between the thigh and the calf. Forexample, the flexible and expandable material 38 may have a trapeziumshape, a trapezoid shape, or an isosceles trapezoid shape. The shape ofthe gap 44 may be rectangular, round rectangular, quadrilateral,elliptical, or other shape, wherein a purpose of including the gap is tosubstantially eliminate potential for bunching of the flexible andexpandable material behind the knee.

The kneepad 12 is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched,riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the flexible andexpandable material 38 near the bottom edge and is centered at aboutone-quarter the width from the right edge. The knee relief pad 124 isadhered to the flexible and expandable material 38 near the top edge andis centered about three-quarter the width from the right edge. The maleportion of the securing device(s) is attached (e.g., glued, stapled,sewn, stitched, riveted, etc.) along the left edge and the correspondingfemale portions is attached along the right edge.

FIG. 61 is a diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 ofa knee protection system 10 of FIG. 57. From this perspective, thekneepad frame 68 has T shape and the knee relief pad frame 60 has anupside down T shape. In this example, the hinge 66 is shown has aconvention hinge having two wings, knuckles, and a pin. Alternatively,the hinge 66 could be a piece of flexible material (e.g., cloth,leather) that allows the for the knee protection system to open andclose repeatedly.

FIGS. 62 and 63 are inside and outside view diagrams of anotherembodiment of a coupling mechanism 16 of a knee protection system ofFIG. 57. The coupling mechanism 16 includes a loose fitting flexible andexpandable sleeve 50, a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad 14, tighteningstraps 34, and securing mechanisms 78 and 80. The loose fitting flexibleand expandable sleeve may be spandex, neoprene, elastic knit,anti-micro-biotic fabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/or another typeof fabric. Each securing mechanism includes complimentary components(e.g., male and female) of a securing device, which may be one or moreof Velcro™, buckles, clips, snaps, hook and post, eyelet and post,button and button hole, tie, etc.

The dimensions of the loose fitting flexible and expandable sleeve 50will vary depending on the size of the user. For example, for a largeuser (e.g., over six feet tall and a thigh circumference of abouttwenty-five inches) the circumference would be about 28-33 inches andthe length would be about 12-20 inches. For an even larger user, thecircumference and height would be greater and, for a smaller user, thecircumference and height would be less. The loose fitting flexible andexpandable sleeve may be cylindrical in shape or may be taperedcylindrical in shape where the top circumference is greater width thanthe bottom circumference to account for the difference in circumferencebetween the upper thigh and the knee area. Regardless of its particularshape, the circumference of the sleeve is of a sufficiently large sizefor it to slip over shoes and/or boots worn by the user and positionedabout the thigh and knee area.

The kneepad 12 is adhered (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched,riveted, veclro'ed, clipped, snapped, etc.) to the front of the sleevenear the top edge. The knee relief pad 124 is adhered to the back of thesleeve 50 near the bottom edge. Each of the tightening straps 34 mayadjustable in length and may be comprised of cloth, plastic, leather, asynthetic cloth, and/or other material. One end of each tightening strapis attached (e.g., glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) to theinside of the sleeve. On the other end of each strap is attached (e.g.,glued, riveted, stitched, stapled, etc.) a male portion of one of thesecuring device. The female portion of each securing device is attached(e.g., glued, stapled, sewn, stitched, riveted, etc.) to the outside ofthe sleeve.

FIG. 64 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa leg protection system 11 that includes a kneepad 12, a knee relief pad124, a foot relief pad 104, and a coupling mechanism 16. The kneepad 12may be implemented as described with reference to one or more of FIGS.7-11. The knee relief pad 124 may be implemented as described withreference to one or more of FIGS. 3-6 and FIGS. 41-50. The couplingmechanism 16 may be implemented similarly to the coupling mechanism ofFIG. 1, with different dimensions to accommodate the foot relief pad andfor the knee relief pad being behind the thigh. The foot relief pad 104may be implemented as described with reference to FIGS. 51A and 51B.

In one or more embodiments, the kneepad 12, the knee relief pad 124, andthe foot relief pad 104 are secured to the coupling mechanism 16 in oneof a variety of ways (e.g., stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hookand loop fastener, hook and pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snapfastener, clip and fastener, push type retainer, etc.) in desiredpositions. For instance, the kneepad 12 is positioned with respect tothe coupling mechanism 16 such that, when a user wears the legprotection system, the kneepad at least partially covers the user's kneeto reduce contact pressure with a kneeling surface when the user iskneeling.

The knee relief pad 124 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism 16 such that, when the user wears the knee protection systemand the user is kneeling or in a squat position, the knee relief pad 124is in contact with the user's thigh and calf. With the knee relief pad124 is in contact with the user's thigh and calf, the user's kneeexperiences less stress and, as such, helps to protect knee cartilagefrom stress-related damage.

The foot relief pad 104 is positioned with respect to the couplingmechanism 16 such that, when the user wears the leg protection systemand the user is kneeling, the foot relief pad is in contact with theuser's shin and the kneeling surface. With the foot relief pad 104 is incontact with the user's shin and the kneeling surface, the user's footexperiences less stress and, as such, helps to fatiguing of the foot andankle area when the user is kneeling for an extended period of time.

FIG. 65 is a non-flexed inside leg view diagram of another embodiment ofa knee protection system 10 that includes a kneepad 12, a thighpositioned knee relief pad 124, a calf positioned knee relief pad 14,and a coupling mechanism 16. The kneepad and the coupling mechanism mayeach be implemented using one or more corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein or another type of embodiment.

Each of the knee relief pads 14 and 124 may be implemented as describedwith reference to one or more of FIGS. 3-6 and FIGS. 41-50. Further,each knee relief pad 14 and 124 is positioned with respect to thecoupling mechanism such that, when the user wears the knee protectionsystem and the user is kneeling or in a squat position, the knee reliefpads are in contact with each and with the user's thigh and calf. Withthe knee relief pad is in contact with the user's thigh and calf, theuser's knee experiences less stress and, as such, helps to protect kneecartilage from stress-related damage. The thickness and/or angle of eachknee relief pad may vary depending on the amount of knee stress reliefdesired. For example, each knee relief pad may have ½ the thickness and½ the angle of a single knee relief pad but provide the same amount ofknee stress relief. As another example, each knee relief pad may be adifferent thickness and/or angle than the other.

FIG. 66 is a flexed leg diagram of the knee protection system of FIG.65. As shown, when the user is kneeling, the kneepad 12 is contact withthe ground to relieve contact pressure on the knee. As is further shown,the knee relief pads 14 and 124 are in contact with each other and withthe thigh and the calf to reduce stress on the knee.

FIGS. 67-69 are a non-flexed front, side, and rear view diagrams ofanother embodiment of a knee protection system 10 that includescompression pants 130, kneepads 132, and thigh positioned knee reliefpads 134 (one on each leg). The compression pants 130 may be comprisedof one or more of spandex, neoprene, elastic knit, anti-micro-bioticfabric, a moisture wicking fabric, and/or another type of fabric.Alternatively, the compression pants 130 may be two compression sleevesthat fit around each leg from the upper thigh to about the knee area.With this type of knee protection system, a user may it underneath hisor her work pants, sports pants, or other type of pants.

The kneepads 132 are attached to the compression pants using one or moreof stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hook and loop fastener, hookand pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snap fastener, clip andfastener, push type retainer, etc. Further, the kneepad 132 may beimplemented as discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 7-11A.Alternatively, the kneepads 132 may be implement as discussed asdiscussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 7-11A but without therigid material shell or using a more pliable material than a solidplastic (e.g., an encased gel).

The knee relief pads 134 are attached to the compression pants using oneor more of stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hook and loopfastener, hook and pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snap fastener,clip and fastener, push type retainer, etc. Further, the knee reliefpads 134 may be implemented as discussed herein with reference to one ormore of the figures.

FIGS. 70 and 71 are a non-flexed front view and side view diagrams ofanother embodiment of a knee protection system 10 that is similar to theknee protection system of FIGS. 67-69 with the addition of sliding pads136 on each hip and IT band area of the legs. A catcher may use such aleg protection system underneath his or her baseball pants.

FIGS. 72 and 73 are a non-flexed front view and side view diagrams ofanother embodiment of a knee protection system 10 that is similar to theleg protection system of FIGS. 67-69 with the addition of calfpositioned knee relief pads 138 and the compression pants 130 beinglonger.

FIGS. 74 and 75 are a non-flexed front and side view diagrams of anotherembodiment of a knee protection system 10 that includes pants 140,kneepads 132, thigh positioned knee relief pads 134, and calf positionedknee relief pads 138. The pants 140 may be work pants, sports pants,weight lifting pants, etc. Note that if the pants 140 are weight liftingpants, they may further include shin pads at the shin level toprotection from a weight lifting bar scrapping the shins. Further notethat the kneepads 132, the thigh positioned knee relief pads 134, andthe calf positioned knee relief pads 138 are attached to the pants usingone or more of stitching, adhesive, riveting, Velcro™, hook and loopfastener, hook and pile fastener, touch fastener, zipper, snap fastener,clip and fastener, push type retainer, etc. Still further note that thepants may omit the thigh positioned knee relief pads 134 or the calfpositioned knee relief pads 138.

FIGS. 76 and 77 are a non-flexed front and view diagrams of anotherembodiment of a knee protection system 10 that includes pants 140,pouches 144 for kneepads, pouches 142 for thigh positioned knee reliefpads, and pouches 146 for calf positioned knee relief pads. The pouches142-146, or pockets, are sized to allow for replaceable kneepads, thighrelief pads, and/or calf relief pads to be inserted and removed. Notethat the pants 140 may omit the pouches 142 for the thigh positionedknee relief pads or pouches 146 for the calf positioned knee reliefpads.

FIG. 78 is a non-flexed front view diagram of another embodiment of aknee protection system 10 similar to the knee protection system of FIG.57 with the addition of a detachable sitting stand 150. As such, theknee protection system 10 includes a kneepad 12, a coupling mechanism16, a knee relief pad 124, and the detachable sitting stand 150. In thisexample embodiment, the coupling mechanism 16 fits over the thigh andthe knee relief pad is positioned on the thigh, which may be in a fixedposition or an adjustable position. The coupling mechanism may beimplemented using one or more of the coupling mechanisms discussedherein scaled to cover from the thigh and knee areas. Each of the kneerelief pad 124 and kneepad 12 is attached to the coupling mechanism 16using one or more attaching mechanisms and discussed herein or otherattaching mechanism. Further, each of the knee relief pad and thekneepad may be implemented using one or more of the correspondingimplementations discussion herein.

The detachable sitting stand 150 couples to the knee relief pad 124and/or to the coupling mechanism 16 to provide further relief on theknees. For example and as shown in FIG. 79, when the user is kneeling,the detachable sitting stand 150 is in contact with the ground and withthe knee relief pad 124. FIG. 80 shows a rear view of the detachablesitting stand 150 when the user is kneeling. If the detachable sittingstands 150 are removed, the knee relief pads 124 function as describedherein.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or“coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirectcoupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes,but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or amodule) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening itemdoes not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its currentlevel, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupledto” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more itscorresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to oneor more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term“associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separateitems and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc., described withreference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further,from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same orsimilarly named functions, steps, modules, etc., that may use the sameor different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps,modules, etc., may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules,etc., or different ones.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A leg protection system comprises: a kneepad; a knee relief pad; a foot relief pad; and a coupling mechanism, wherein the kneepad is secured to a knee covering position on the coupling mechanism, the knee relief pad is secured to a calf position on the coupling mechanism, and the foot relief pad is secured to a shin-foot position on the coupling mechanism, wherein, when the leg protection system is worn, the kneepad is positioned over a knee of a wearer, the knee relief pad is positioned over a portion of a calf of the wearer, the foot relief pad is positioned over at least one of a portion of a shin or a portion of a foot of the wearer, and the coupling mechanism secures the leg protection system on the wearer.
 2. The leg protection system of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: a flexible and expandable material; one or more male securing mechanisms connected to the flexible and expandable material; and one or more female securing mechanisms connected to the flexible and expandable material, wherein the one or more male securing mechanisms securely couples to the one or more female securing mechanisms to secure the leg protection system to the wearer.
 3. The leg protection system of claim 2, wherein the flexible and expandable material comprises: an upper strap having an upper male securing mechanism section and an upper female securing mechanism section; a lower strap having a lower male securing mechanism section and a lower female securing mechanism section; and a first gap between a first portion of the upper strap and a first portion of the lower strap; and a second gap between a second portion of the upper strap and a second portion of the lower strap, wherein the kneepad is secured to the flexible and expandable material between the first and second gaps and the knee relief pad is secured to the lower strap.
 4. The leg protection system of claim 1 further comprises: the coupling mechanism including an adjustable positioning mechanism; and the knee relief pad including a mating adjustable positioning mechanism, wherein the mating adjustable positioning mechanism mates with the adjustable positioning mechanism to allow adjustable positioning of the knee relief pad on the coupling mechanism.
 5. The leg protection system of claim 1, wherein the knee relief pad comprises: a core; and a cover that at least partially encases the core, wherein the knee relief pad has a geometric shape that includes a thigh cup and a calf cup.
 6. The leg protection system of claim 5, wherein the core comprises one or more of: a solid material; a liquid holding bladder; and a gas holding bladder.
 7. The leg protection system of claim 1, wherein the kneepad comprises: a rigid material shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein, when the leg protection system is worn, the interior surface is towards a knee of the wearer; at least one of foam and a high friction coefficient material coupled to the interior surface; and at least one of an anti-skid section and a shock absorbing section coupled to the exterior surface.
 8. The leg protection system of claim 1, wherein the foot relief pad comprises: a core; and a cover that at least partially encases the core, wherein the knee relief pad has a geometric shape that includes a shin cup.
 9. The leg protection system of claim 8, wherein the core comprises one or more of: a solid material; a liquid holding bladder; and a gas holding bladder.
 10. A leg protection system comprises: a kneepad; a knee relief pad; a foot relief pad; and a coupling mechanism, wherein the kneepad is secured to a knee covering position on the coupling mechanism, the knee relief pad is secured to a thigh position on the coupling mechanism, and the foot relief pad is secured to a shin-foot position on the coupling mechanism, wherein, when the leg protection system is worn, the kneepad is positioned over a knee of a wearer, the knee relief pad is positioned over a portion of a thigh of the wearer, the foot relief pad is positioned over at least one of a portion of a shin or a portion of a foot of the wearer, and the coupling mechanism secures the leg protection system on the wearer.
 11. The leg protection system of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: a flexible and expandable material; one or more male securing mechanisms connected to the flexible and expandable material; and one or more female securing mechanisms connected to the flexible and expandable material, wherein the one or more male securing mechanisms securely couples to the one or more female securing mechanisms to secure the leg protection system to the wearer.
 12. The leg protection system of claim 11, wherein the flexible and expandable material comprises: an upper strap having an upper male securing mechanism section and an upper female securing mechanism section; a lower strap having a lower male securing mechanism section and a lower female securing mechanism section; and a first gap between a first portion of the upper strap and a first portion of the lower strap; and a second gap between a second portion of the upper strap and a second portion of the lower strap, wherein the kneepad is secured to the flexible and expandable material between the first and second gaps and the knee relief pad is secured to the upper strap.
 13. The leg protection system of claim 10 further comprises: the coupling mechanism including an adjustable positioning mechanism; and the knee relief pad including a mating adjustable positioning mechanism, wherein the mating adjustable positioning mechanism mates with the adjustable positioning mechanism to allow adjustable positioning of the knee relief pad on the coupling mechanism.
 14. The leg protection system of claim 10, wherein the knee relief pad comprises: a core; and a cover that at least partially encases the core, wherein the knee relief pad has a geometric shape that includes a thigh cup and a calf cup.
 15. The leg protection system of claim 14, wherein the core comprises one or more of: a solid material; a liquid holding bladder; and a gas holding bladder.
 16. The leg protection system of claim 10, wherein the kneepad comprises: a rigid material shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein, when the leg protection system is worn, the interior surface is towards a knee of the wearer; at least one of foam and a high friction coefficient material coupled to the interior surface; and at least one of an anti-skid section and a shock absorbing section coupled to the exterior surface.
 17. The leg protection system of claim 10, wherein the foot relief pad comprises: a core; and a cover that at least partially encases the core, wherein the knee relief pad has a geometric shape that includes a shin cup.
 18. The leg protection system of claim 17, wherein the core comprises one or more of: a solid material; a liquid holding bladder; and a gas holding bladder. 